“The album celebrates the lasting impact and evolving sound of reggae music in the 21st century” – Rolling Stone

This week, VP Records and Vans release Dub Rockers Volume 1, a new compilation series that combines Jamaica’s top artists with popular U.S. and Euro-based reggae acts. The 10-track collection on VP Records’ newly founded imprint Dub Rockers, will feature collaborations between Slightly Stoopid, Inner Circle and Capleton, Bad Brains and Angelo Moore of Fishbone, SOJA and Gentleman, Rebelution and I-Wayne, John Brown’s Body and Peetah Morgan plus much more.

Today, reggae music continues to thrive with a set of new acts who have brought the genre full circle. However, unlike in decades past, this evolution is not emanating exclusively from Jamaica. With our 21st century access to technology, reggae has become a global community, and new styles can emerge from all corners of the globe. In almost every sub-genre of reggae music, there is a foreign artist who is making a significant impact. Dub Rockers Volume 1 is a recognition of this reality, and has been a unification process for the community at large. This album is intended to break down barriers and cross borders.

New York, NY (February 23, 2012): It is February and the “Worlaz” kicked of their 2012 year-long world tour in Hawaii with four unique performances. Though no strangers to the island, fans have been earnestly waiting for their visit and to see the band perform singles from their current album Patriots. The island was abuzz the minute their arrival was announced and in typically fashion, band members took to the airwaves to promote the shows and greet fans. Read more…

“I-Octane’s fusion of hauntingly sung vocals with rapid-fire rhymes…reaffirm dancehall’s significance as a vehicle for compelling commentaries and praising Jah…”
– BILLBOARD, Chosen as one of the ‘15 Artists Impacting The Indie Scene’

VP Records and Scikron are proud to announce the release of I-Octane’s debut album, ‘Crying To The Nation,’ available January 31, 2012. As one of the most-talked about artists emerging from Jamaica, I-Octane’s first full-length LP will reinvigorate the feeling of roots and dancehall at its purest. He has already proven himself as a lyricist with rapid-fire delivery, and unveils his uncanny ability to sing romantic ballads and socially aware tunes on this traditional reggae album.

‘Crying To The Nation’ puts I-Octane in a class of his own as one of the next generation’s leaders of the conscious dancehall movement. Following in a similar vein of his predecessors Sizzla, Capleton and Buju Banton, his lyrics express sentiments of faith, romance, social justice and compassion for the ghetto youth. His brand new single “L.O.V.E Y.O.U,” “Missing You” (remix featuring Agent Sasco) and “Once More” reflect his emotional sensibility, while songs like “Vanity Will Come,” “All We Need Is Love” (featuring Tarrus Riley) and the title track are filled with positive messages and political leanings, something that the current state of dancehall often lacks. Read more…